Welcome to Cranmer’s Substack by Philip Crump - exploring politics, culture and law.
As a lawyer, I spent 25 years with my head buried in the minutiae of contracts, oblivious to everything save for family and the superficiality of current events. For some reason, the moment felt right to lift my gaze from the papers on my desk and examine the challenges facing New Zealand.
Although I’m a political conservative I’ve never spent much time trying to categorise my political leanings in any great detail - maybe I’m a Red Tory or a reluctant conservative of the type described by Kingsley Amis, I really don’t know:
Growing older, I have lost the need to be political, which means, in this country, the need to be Left. I am driven into grudging toleration of the Conservative Party because it is the party of non-politics, of resistance to politics.
In my final year at secondary school I received the Headmaster’s Prize for Service. I was given a gift voucher and told that I could purchase any book that I wanted which would be presented to me by the Headmaster on Speech Day. For a long time I had forgotten about that book until I moved house a few years ago and found it. Fittingly, it was called An Incomplete Education. Hopefully this Substack will continue my incomplete education, deepen my knowledge of politics, culture and law, and help me understand the ever-changing forces that shape our country.
Whilst I do have some axes to grind, I am here to learn in a collaborative and enjoyable environment, not to preach.
Many lawyers are failed writers, so I apologise in advance if you occasionally feel like you’re reading a contract or legal opinion. Hopefully my writing will also improve!
Why Subscribe?
In his Media Insider column, the New Zealand Herald’s Editor-at-Large, Shayne Currie wrote that Philip Crump has, “carved out a reputation as an agenda-setting writer”.
In 2023, the NBR wrote:
One of the best commentators to have emerged on the media scene in the last year. First known under the pseudonym Thomas Cranmer, the financial and legally savvy Philip Crump attracted attention for his evisceration of the Three Waters fiasco. That was followed by equally trenchant criticisms of the hapless Labour Government in its death throes.
And in 2025, RNZ’s Mediawatch described my work as “really thought-provoking”.
My articles have featured in the New Zealand Herald, The Spinoff and RNZ, and have been republished by The Spectator and a number of popular blogs.
Subscribers to Cranmer’s Substack include many current and former politicians of different persuasions, journalists, expert commentators, academics and everyday New Zealanders.
Join thousands of New Zealanders and subscribe to Cranmer’s Substack today to receive insightful commentary and analysis directly in your inbox, accessible via the Substack website or mobile app.
What are the Benefits of a Paid Subscription?
You’ll be supporting independent journalism that makes a difference.
Paid subscribers are able to post comments, have full access to my archive of over 100 articles, and can start new discussion threads on my Chat. I also publish some paid-only articles.
Founding member subscribers will, in addition, receive occasional personal reflections.
One month after publication, each free article will be archived and thereafter will only be available to paid and founding member subscribers.
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Alternative Ways to Support
You can also make a one-off contribution of any amount. Donations provide an alternative means to support my writing and are very much appreciated.
Can I Share Your Articles?
Yes! I warmly encourage you to share my articles across any platform. Sharing is a fantastic way to support my work, and I greatly appreciate every recommendation to friends, family, or colleagues.
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Sustainability
Cranmer’s Substack is committed to sustainability through participation in the Stripe Climate program. These contributions, facilitated securely through Substack’s payment provider, Stripe, are directed to projects focused on permanent carbon removal, at no additional cost to subscribers. View my climate contributions here.
Housekeeping
About my Roles
I’m currently a member of the Waitangi Tribunal and Board of New Zealand on Air. In accordance with the requirements of those roles my writing will be politically impartial. My articles are written solely in my personal capacity and do not reflect the views of any organisation with which I am affiliated.
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Contacting me
I am contactable at cranmer@substack.com.
